U.S. names priorities in relations with Georgia
By Jamila Babayeva
First Deputy of the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Bridget Brink has named the U.S. priorities in relations with Georgia during a web chat: democratic development and consolidation, economic development and security.
"The first priority includes different aspects. It includes diplomatic involvement, in which the political and economic departments of the embassy participate, and public diplomacy, in which the Department of Public Affairs, and also other partners including the United States Agency for Development take part," she said.
Brink believes that the main aspect in which the U.S. tries to facilitate democratic consolidation in Georgia, is judicial reform, free and fair elections of the local governance, which will be conducted in spring, freedom of media, meetings, religions and Human Rights.
The second priority is economic development, which includes assisting in the creation of new jobs in Georgia.
"Thanks to the country's strategic location, it can play transit functions and role and use its location for creating new jobs," she said.
While speaking about the third priority - security, Brink highlighted the importance of cooperation with other partners.
"I would like to mention the contribution of Georgia to Afghanistan. Georgia is an important partner in issues such as nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism," she noted.
Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Georgia were established on April 23, 1992. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with the newly independent Georgia, the U.S. has provided immense political, military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Georgia.